I love animals but I’ll have to admit I’m just not that good with some of them. I’m not put off by insects and arachnids nor can I say reptiles and amphibians in general disagree with me, but lizards and frogs – let’s just say if any crosses path with me, I will automatically know how give them right of way…
Now these animals don’t exactly make for your everyday household pets but chances are if you are the proud mommy to a little boy, there is that chance you are going to end up with an iguana, a gecko or maybe a giant wooly spider instead of a cuddly rabbit or a puffy kitten. But the fact is regardless of what pet you welcome into your home, it doesn’t absolve you from the green responsibility that comes with it.
How much do I know about lizards and their fellow kin? Frankly and honestly, not much…but I do know that like a hamster they do require a bedding of some sort and that’s a part you need to keep green for 3 main reasons:
- 1. The health and welfare of the pet
- 2. The health of your child and family members
- 3. The health of the environment
Reptiles and insects need good quality bedding that contributes to giving them a good and comfortable environment to thrive in. Conventionally when one speaks of reptile substrates/bedding, they would be referring to bark, moss, sand or maybe even just soil but there are specialized substrates and one of the most popular eco options is that made of loose coconut fiber.
So why is this particular kind more popular than the rest? Well because of the following reasons:
- • the husks of coconuts can be safely composted or recycled into potted plants or gardens.
- • It is ideal for damp for tropical species because of its profound ability to break down odor (eliminates it) as well as waste products so you can be free of the usual stench.
In fact if I researched correctly coconut fiber substrates are good for more than just reptiles, it’s also ideal for naturalistic terrarium type set-ups for amphibians or invertebrates as well.
Perhaps if you have some green advice on caring for reptiles, you could share the experience with us?
